BIOL5_Lab2.6_Tetanus
Page 1: Lab 2.6: Tetanus, Electromyography
Chapter 12
Page 2: Overview
Tetanus
Distinction between the disease and physiological term.
Twitch contraction
Twitch vs Summation
Incomplete vs Complete Tetanus
Frequency of Stimulation
Page 3: Disambiguation: Tetanus
Tetanus (Disease)
Caused by Clostridium tetani.
Toxin released during anaerobic metabolism causes painful muscle contractions.
Tetanus toxin binds to inhibitory neurons, leading to sustained muscle contraction for varying durations (minutes to weeks).
Tetanus (Physiology)
Refers to sustained muscle contractions that are not painful or pathogen-induced.
Page 4: Twitch Contraction 1
Twitch Contraction :
Brief contraction of all muscle fibers in a motor unit due to a single action potential.
Refractory Period:
Period of excitability loss where the cell cannot respond to a second stimulus if it occurs too soon.
Page 5: Twitch Contraction 2
Phases of Twitch Contraction:
Latent Period
Contraction Period
Relaxation Period
Page 6: Twitch and Summation
Twitch:
Single rapid contraction and relaxation of muscle fibers.
Summation:
If a second stimulus occurs before the muscle relaxes from the first twitch, the second twitch is stronger.
Allows graded contractions through stimulation of different numbers of fibers.
Page 7: Visuals of Muscle Function
(a) Stimulus leading to Muscle Twitch
(b) Summation of Twitches from Multiple Stimuli
Page 8: Incomplete vs Complete Tetanus
Incomplete Tetanus (Unfused Tetanus):
Occurs with increasing frequency of electrical shocks, leading to increased muscle tension below maximum.
Complete Tetanus (Fused Tetanus):
Rapid stimulation leads to no relaxation and results in a smooth, sustained contraction.
Page 9: Frequency of Stimulation
Wave Summation:
Occurs when a second action potential triggers a contraction before the cell has relaxed, resulting in a stronger contraction.
Incomplete Tetanus:
Characterized by 20-30 action potentials per second, causing wavering, sustained contraction.
Complete Tetanus:
Achieved with 80-100 action potentials per second, resulting in a sustained contraction.
Page 10: Tetanus Types and Shocks
Incomplete Tetanus:
Results from 5 shocks per second.
Complete Tetanus:
Results from 60 shocks per second, leading to fatigue.
Page 11: Frequency of Stimulation: Myogram
Analysis of contraction time and force production as influenced by different stimulation conditions.
Page 12: Tone and Contractions
Muscle Tone:
Weak, involuntary contractions in resting muscles generating low tension.
Functions: Stabilizes body, maintains organ pressure, and regulates blood pressure.
Flaccid Muscles:
Condition of limp muscle due to motor neuron damage.
Page 13: Isotonic vs Isometric Contractions
Isotonic Contraction:
Muscle length changes while tension remains constant, producing movement at a joint.
Types:
Concentric (Shortening)
Eccentric (Lengthening)
Isometric Contraction:
Muscle contracts without changing length; no joint movement occurs.
Page 14: Visual Representation of Muscle Contractions
Concentric Contraction:
Muscle contracts and shortens.
Eccentric Contraction:
Muscle elongates while active.
Isometric Contraction:
Muscle remains unchanged in length while generating force.
Page 15: Muscle Levels Analysis
Content overview on muscle behavior and function at the level of a muscle.
Page 16: Smooth vs Jerky Motion
Discussion on the mechanisms allowing for smooth muscle motion over jerky movements.